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Milford Sound / Piopiotahi
2026 Global 50 - Cool Water Escapes

Milford Sound / Piopiotahi

7.8
4.6/5
483 reviews
Milford Sound is a world-famous natural wonder, a glacial landform located in the South West Fiordland National Park on the South Island of New Zealand. Steep, jagged cliffs emerge from calm, dark waters, lush rainforest grows on the rock walls, and waterfalls plunge hundreds of meters into the sea. 1. The beautiful road in the world The road from Queenstown to the Fiordland is known as one of the most beautiful roads in the world. Along the way, it passes many scenic spots, such as Mirror Lake, trails, and Homer Tunnel. Many small waterfalls formed by melting snow. 2. Enjoy the scenery of the fjord by cruise ship The water tour of Milford Sound is the main way to enjoy the beauty of the fjord. After the sightseeing boat slowly leaves the pier of Milford Sound, you can see the The Baowen Waterfall is more than 100 meters high. When the wind is strong, the water of the waterfall will splash on the pier. On the opposite side of the waterfall is a small gravel pile called a small cemetery, which is the resting place of the whalers and sealers who lived nearby. Continue to drive forward, and on the left is the towering Matthew Peak, which stands directly on the sea. On the other side are Lion Mountain and Elephant Mountain, with very vivid names. Not far away is Tongjiao, which is the relatively channel of the fjord. When the wind is strong, it passes through the mountains, and the wind is amazing. When the boat comes to the Fairy Falls, the bow of the boat will meet directly below the waterfall, and the water of this waterfall is drinkable. After looking at the Tasman Sea from the boat, the boat will slowly turn around and re-enter the fjord, and a fjord cruise is basically complete. Airplane tours and sea kayaking tours are two other great ways to experience mountains, waterfalls, and sheer cliffs. There are also sightseeing boats with underwater viewing windows, allowing tourists to observe coral reefs and other marine landscapes from the bottom of the water. Dolphins, fjord penguins, seals and other aquatic creatures can also be seen in the fjord, especially in the seal headland where a large number of young seals often gather. 3. One of the filming locations of "The Lord of the Rings" As one of the filming locations of "The Lord of the Rings", it attracts many fans to this place.New Zealand · Milford Sound
Lake Tekapo
No. 1 of Spring Outings in New Zealand

Lake Tekapo

6.6
4.6/5
343 reviews
Lake Tekapo is located in the Mackenzie Basin in the central part of the South Island of New Zealand. It is a lake formed by glacial meltwater, with a surface altitude of approx. 700 m and an area of approx. 80 sq km. The lake water displays a distinct turquoise color, making it stand out in the alpine scenery of the South Island. This unique color comes from fine rock flour ground by glaciers: as glaciers move slowly, they grind rock layers into extremely fine particles, which flow into the lake with the meltwater and remain suspended for a long time. Under sunlight, the water color shifts between milky blue and emerald green, changing with the weather and light. The lake is surrounded by the peaks of the Southern Alps and open meadows. Standing on the lakeshore are the stone-built The Church of the Good Shepherd and a bronze statue of a sheepdog, which together with the lake and mountain scenery behind them form a common photo opportunity. Ascending Mount John on one side of the lake area also offers a panoramic view of the intertwined lake and basin. Lake Tekapo is also part of the Waitaki hydroelectric power system—the lake water is diverted for power generation, and the lake level is artificially regulated, rising and falling regularly within a certain range throughout the year. The lake area is far from city lights and has excellent night sky conditions; on clear nights, you can see the clear Milky Way and Southern Hemisphere constellations, and stargazing is a long-standing local experience. From late spring to early summer each year, the lakeshore is covered in patches of lupins, with pink and purple flower belts spreading along the shore; in other seasons, it takes on a simple color palette composed of snow-capped mountains, clear water, and short grass, with the scenery changing with the seasons. Walking, cycling, or boating along the lake are common ways to experience this alpine lake.Tekapo · 59.4km from Peel Forest
Mount John
No. 12 of Night Attractions in New Zealand

Mount John

6.5
4.8/5
101 reviews
Mount John is the commanding height of the town of Lake Tekapo. From the top of the mountain, you can overlook the panoramic view of Lake Tekapo and the town. There is a famous star-gazing point MtJohnUniversityObservatory on the top of the mountain, and you can experience the world-famous starry sky of Tekapo at night.Tekapo · 64.1km from Peel Forest
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
No. 14 of Spring Outings in New Zealand

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

7
4.4/5
219 reviews
Of all of New Zealand's 27 mountains over 3050m, 22 are in Mount Cook National Park. One of the more spectacular is Mount Cook, which is 3,755 meters high. 1. Experience New Zealand's large glacier up close - a third of the Tasman Glacier Mount Cook National Park is covered with snow or ice all year round. Here, you can experience New Zealand's largest glacier, the Tasman Glacier, up close. Take the bus to the beautiful Tasman Valley, and your guide will lead you on a leisurely half-hour hike to the end lake of the Tasman Glacier. Board a boat here to explore this iceberg lake full of small icebergs and ever-changing. Feel the glacier with your hands as the boat makes its way up close to these little icebergs! If you are a photography enthusiast, this trip will be an unforgettable memory of your trip to New Zealand! 2. Aerial view of magnificent natural beauty by helicopter There is another way to enjoy the magnificent view of Mount Cook - take a helicopter view of this amazing natural beauty from the sky. Here are some professionally operated aerial tour companies that will take you off from GlentannerPark at the base of Mount Cook to see Mount Cook from above and explore the heart of Mount Cook National Park. Professional pilots will enthusiastically share their knowledge of the region with you.Gammack · 88.1km from Peel Forest
Glenorchy

Glenorchy

6.9
4.3/5
210 reviews
Glenorchy's Chinese name translates to Glenorchy. Located on the north bank of Lake Wakatipu, just 45 minutes from Queenstown, it is the gateway to many hiking trails and the magical world of Middle-earth. 1. An outdoor lover's paradise This rustic town is a veritable outdoor lover's paradise. Surrounded by native beech forests and towering mountains, Glenorchy's surroundings are never lacking in excitement. Stunning Lake Wakatipu and the Dart River offer plenty of options for jet boating and kayaking, and it's a popular base for New Zealand's many walking trails. Horseback riding is also one of the most popular activities here. 2. The spectacular scenery of Glenorchy, the filming location of "The Lord of the Rings", has made it a filming location for blockbusters. The "Lord of the Rings" trilogy and "The Chronicles of Narnia" have been shot here in large numbers. Twenty kilometers from Glenorchy, as idyllic farmland is gradually replaced by beech forest, we come to the town of Paradise. The origins of the name vary, with some saying it got its name from the natural charm of the place, while others say it got its name from the ducks of paradise that inhabit it. No one can be sure of the origin of its name, but the suffocating natural beauty here has been unanimously recognized by everyone. . "This is the Middle-earth I've always fantasized about," Sir Ian McKellen (Gandalf) said of Paradise.New Zealand · Glenorchy
Cardboard Cathedral
No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Christchurch

Cardboard Cathedral

6.6
4.3/5
36 reviews
Cardboard Cathedral is a transitional church built in Christchurch after the 2011 earthquake. Completed in 2013, it was built to replace the old Gothic cathedral in the city center that was severely damaged in the earthquake. It was designed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, who is famous for his paper tube architecture and has long used paper tube structures for post-disaster reconstruction around the world. The building itself is worth a close look. It has an overall A-frame shape and stands over 20m tall. The two sloping sides are lined with nearly 100 rigid paper tubes, which have been treated to be waterproof and fire-retardant. The gaps between them allow daylight to gently filter into the interior, and the entrance features a large triangular window made of stained glass. The interior can accommodate about 700 people. Wooden pews and soft lighting make the space quiet and peaceful, and it is also frequently used for concerts and community events.New Zealand · Christchurch
Wānaka

Wānaka

6.5
4.8/5
119 reviews
Wānaka is backed by the Southern Alps and is a lakeside town that blends refined living, family vacations, and outdoor adventure. Cafes, restaurants, and unique shops in the town center line the lakeshore. Just a few steps away, you can sit by the water and watch the snow-capped mountains reflected in the clear lake. The lone willow tree standing in the lake is an iconic image of the town. The soft light during the morning mist and at sunset are popular times for photography. The town has a deep connection with aviation. You can book sightseeing flights, helicopter tours, or skydiving at the airport to overlook Lake Wānaka and the glacial peaks of Mount Aspiring from the air. The town hosts a biennial airshow featuring classic military aircraft, a traditional local event. During the winter ski season, ski resorts such as Cardrona and Treble Cone are within a 1-hour drive. In spring and summer, the Roy's Peak track attracts many hikers with its panoramic views of Lake Wānaka. It is also a convenient base if you want to venture into Mount Aspiring National Park for hiking or mountaineering.New Zealand · Wanaka
Lake Pukaki
No. 14 of Night Attractions in New Zealand

Lake Pukaki

6.3
4.2/5
149 reviews
Lake Pukaki is nestled among the mountains of the Canterbury region and is a large lake in the northern Mackenzie Basin that flows from north to south. When ancient glaciers retreated, moraine deposits blocked the river valley, forming a dammed lake, making it a typical moraine-dammed lake. Fine rock flour ground by glaciers over the years remains suspended in the water, scattering light into a rich milky blue and turquoise color, resembling a whole lake of poured, rich milk, which is how it earned the nickname "Blue Milk Lake." The lake surface is at an altitude of over 500 m, and the lake water mainly comes from the meltwater of the Tasman Glacier and Hooker Glacier. Looking north, you can see the continuous snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps. On clear days, standing at the viewing point on the southern shore, you can capture both the snow-capped peaks and the lake in your camera lens.Ben Ohau · 89.4km from Peel Forest
Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Kaikoura

Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway

6.4
4.8/5
52 reviews
Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway is a loop trail that extends along the peninsula's coastline. Completing the full route takes about three hours, though you can also choose to walk just a section depending on your time and energy levels. This route is distinguished by its "mountains and sea in one frame" scenery, with reefs and waves on one side and mountains on the other. In winter, the peaks are snow-capped, and you can often capture the snow-capped mountains and the sea in a single view. Numerous information boards are set up along the route, detailing the peninsula's geological formation, Māori history, and early whaling past. The trail is divided into multiple sections, allowing visitors to choose different routes based on their time and energy levels.The trail circles the entire peninsula, offering opportunities to enjoy magnificent sea views and abundant wildlife. Along the way, visitors can spot seals, seabirds, and the occasional dolphin, experiencing a close encounter with nature.New Zealand · Kaikoura
Lake Wakatipu
2026 Global 50 - Cool Water Escapes

Lake Wakatipu

6.4
4.7/5
554 reviews
Lake Wakatipu is located on the South Island of New Zealand, and Queenstown is located on its north shore. The charming river bay is dotted with Queenstown. It is shaped like a lightning and the lake is clear. It is also a popular destination for outdoor activities in New Zealand. 1. Sky Gondola Overlook If you are in Queenstown, you can choose to take the Sky Gondola to overlook Lake Wakatipu. The Sky Gondola sits at the top of Bobt's Peak in Queenstown, a great place to overlook downtown Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the mountains beyond. 2. Steamboat cruise The TSS Earnslaw steamship cruise on Lake Wakatipu is undoubtedly one of the ways to enjoy the beautiful scenery, so that you can not only appreciate the lake and mountains more closely, but also feel the tranquility and serenity of the lake, and enjoy the shocking experience. The breathtaking scenery and the opportunity to enjoy a delicious barbecue and experience the authentic New Zealand culture. The TSS Earnslaw steamship will cross Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm (Walter Peak High Country Farm). You'll enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch at the ranch or dinner at Colonel's Homestead restaurant and watch a unique farm show. 3. The neighboring Gibbston Valley (Gibbston Valley) has more than 70 wineries, producing a variety of wines, especially Pinot Noir. You can sign up for AppellationCentral WineTours' daily wine tasting tour, which includes visits to 4 wineries, wine tasting, and lunch. At the end of the lake is a place called Glenorchy, the town of The Lord of the Rings. The town is very quiet, there are only sporadic tourists by the lake, and the small bridge in the lake attracts many tourists.New Zealand · Walter Peak

Experiences you can't miss in Peel Forest

Featured Outdoor experiences in Peel Forest

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Peel Forest: Rangitata Gorge Whitewater Rafting Tour
󱌍
5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 5 hrs
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromKRW 207,965KRW 218,911
New Zealand Mount Cook Tasman Glacier/Fox Glacier/Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Tour + Glacier Hike [Professional equipment provided, blue ice cave experience]
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FromKRW 696,209
New Zealand Mount Cook Tasman glacier helicopter sightseeing + glacier hike | professional equipment provided
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FromKRW 695,963
A combined helicopter and snowplane sightseeing experience on Mount Cook's Tasman Glacier (including a snow landing).
󱌍
5.0/5
· 5 reviews· 353 booked
Duration: 45 mins
English
Free cancellation
148 travellers saved
FromKRW 270,612
Fox Glacier heli-hike helicopter sightseeing tour
Trip.Select
󱌍
5.0/5
· 3 reviews· 80 booked
Duration: 4 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromKRW 606,826
Helicopter line for glacier hiking at Aoraki / Mount Cook in Queenstown, New Zealand
Trip.Select
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews· 24 booked
Duration: 3 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromKRW 703,590

Featured Day tours in Peel Forest

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Queenstown to Christchurch one-way sightseeing tour via Aoraki / Mount Cook, Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo
󱌍
5.0/5
· 1 review· 90 booked
Duration: 11.2 hrs
English
70 travellers saved
FromKRW 313,089
New Zealand Tekapo Chameleon Stargazing Tour [Hotel Pickup, Chinese/English Optional, Small Group]
󱌍
5.0/5
· 2 reviews· 62 booked
Duration: 1.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromKRW 91,371
Mount Cook Tasman Glacier Half-Day Tour [Helicopter + Glacier Walk + High Chance of Ice Cave Exploration]
󱌍
5.0/5
· 1 review· 25 booked
Duration: 3.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
129 travellers saved
FromKRW 790,863
Christchurch to Queenstown scenic tour | Lake Tekapo + Mount Cook
󱌍
5.0/5
· 2 reviews· 28 booked
Duration: 9.4 hrs
English
Book now for tomorrow
FromKRW 301,019
Christchurch Tekapo Aoraki / Mount Cook 1-day tour | The Church of the Good Shepherd | optional helicopter sightseeing
󱌍
FromKRW 178,046
New Zealand Tekapo Coventry observatory stargazing tour - night activities - international dark sky reserve
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FromKRW 138,723

Free things to do in Peel Forest

What travellers say about Peel Forest

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Anonymous user1 October 2026
5.0
Milford Sound is one of the most iconic natural landscapes on New Zealand's South Island, often hailed as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," and a UNESCO World Heritage Site within Fiordland National Park. The most classic experience here is a boat tour. The boat glides through the dark waters of the fjord, flanked by steep cliffs carved by glaciers. Mettler Peak soars into the clouds, and Bowen and Stirling Falls flow year-round. After rain, countless temporary waterfalls cascade down the cliffs, creating a truly breathtaking spectacle. With luck, you might spot seals basking on the rocks, or even encounter dolphins and Fiordland penguins. Overall, Milford Sound isn't a "check-off" destination; it's best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. The waterfalls are often more spectacular on rainy days, so don't let rain deter you from your trip. If you have ample time, consider departing from Te Anau or opting for an overnight cruise to avoid the daytime crowds and create a more immersive experience.

Milford Sound / Piopiotahi

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铨上风满楼21 February 2026
4.0
Located a popular tourist destination a 3.25-hour drive southwest of Christchurch on New Zealand's South Island… the scenery here is breathtaking. The Church of the Good Shepherd is a must-see. If driving from Christchurch to Queenstown, this is a great stopover! It's also perfect for a weekend getaway, with a small hot spring nearby… a good place to unwind after a long drive… and a popular spot for photographers to capture stunning images!

Lake Tekapo

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jing0ling22 January 2024
5.0
nice place with nice Astro Cafe, Astro cafe opening hour is depends on the weather. if is too windy they will close.

Mount John

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赶景5 August 2026
4.0
The Lin'an Art Museum is located inside the Wu-Yue Cultural Park, which also houses the Lin'an Museum and the Wu-Yue Cultural Museum. The art museum is not large, but it is quite exquisitely decorated, and the surrounding environment is fantastic. You can visit it while you are at the museum.

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

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Claire Young21 March 2023
5.0
This is known as the place closest to heaven. It is a very simple town. Many scenes are shot here in the movie. There is also a place called paradise. Seeing the vast grassland, rivers, sheep and horses, you can feel comfortable physically and mentally.

Glenorchy

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E04***8015 December 2025
5.0
To see the cardboard church, it's important to understand its origins and story. When I visited, I happened to encounter a Maori students' choir, and the headmaster gave me a brochure about the church's reconstruction after an earthquake.

Cardboard Cathedral

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Jocelyn89 July 2023
5.0
I went to a vineyard in Wanaka and the view was beautiful and photos turned out to be great! 🏞

Wānaka

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旅の径26 October 2020
4.0
New Zealand has many lakes, most of which are surrounded by mountains, with winding coastlines, clear water and pleasant scenery. It is an excellent tourist destination. Lake Pukaki, located in the central part of the South Island, is worth visiting for its four unique features. First, the lake is rich in rock particles and minerals. Under the sunlight, it reflects a unique blue color, which is dreamy and attractive, and has the reputation of "Blue Milk Lake". Second, the lakeside is the best place to overlook Mount Cook. When the weather is fine, standing on the south bank of Lake Pukaki, the Southern Alps on the north bank 55 kilometers away are clearly visible, and the highest peak is Mount Cook. Third, the lifelike Tahr sheep statue. The Tahr sheep, native to the Himalayas, lives between high mountain cliffs. It is a first-class protected animal in my country and is listed as a "near endangered" animal in the world. In 1904, a British man brought five Tahr sheep to the South Island. Because they had no natural enemies, Tahr sheep thrived in the Cook Range and became the favorite hunting animal for European and American hunters to hunt in New Zealand. In 2014, people erected a handsome and mighty Tahr sheep statue on the shore of Lake Pukaki to commemorate the contributions of relevant people in protecting Tahr sheep worldwide. Taking a photo with the statue is the only choice for all tourists. Fourth, on the south bank of Lake Pukaki, there is a Mount Cook salmon farm. The salmon produced is firm and tender, cheap and good quality. Many food lovers come here to taste and buy.

Lake Pukaki

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Ringfile12 July 2026
5.0
The peninsula trails are beautiful. They're only a ten-minute drive from where you've finished whale watching. One trail runs up the mountain, offering panoramic views of the bay; the other is along the beach, leading to Seal Point where you can get up close to groups of baby seals. If you have time, you should definitely explore both; they offer completely different scenery.

Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway

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去旅行YJQ7 July 2023
5.0
Lake Wakatipu is the third largest lake in New Zealand. In addition to its beautiful scenery, it is also the center of New Zealand's outdoor activities. Mountain skiing, surfing, parachuting, jet boats, whitewater kayaking are all available here. The world-famous bungee jumping first emerged here.

Lake Wakatipu

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Peel Forest?

Don't miss these attractions in Peel Forest: Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, Lake Tekapo, and Mount John. If you like Cultural experiences, try Christchurch, New Zealand: professional translation | local guide | tour guide | self-guided tour services | itinerary customization. If you enjoy Spa & wellness, try Lake Tekapo: Single Day Multiple Entry Pass for Hot Pools.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Peel Forest: Rangitata Gorge Whitewater Rafting Tour, Queenstown to Christchurch one-way sightseeing tour via Aoraki / Mount Cook, Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo, and New Zealand Tekapo Chameleon Stargazing Tour [Hotel Pickup, Chinese/English Optional, Small Group]. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 19 October 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Peel Forest is around KRW 91,371 – KRW 790,863. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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